Wado Guy

Yes. It's illegal. Now having said that, I'll tell you this... *I work in the music industry* The record companies aren't losing noticeable money. The industry is way too big. As a whole, the industry is being too whiney and too baby about the whole deal. Someone beat them to the punch so to speak. Labels need to be offering pay to download options from their websites so both parties will be happy. BUT, as you can see......they'd rather alienate their customers (and future potential customers). This industry is almost too big for most to fathom. It's huge. File sharing hasn't even put a noticeable dent in the money side of things. Every time you hear a song on the radio, someone gets a few pennies added to a check in their name. Think about that. NOW...let's take someone fairly new to the scene and somewhat popular...oh...how 'bout that Fifty Cent guy. As much as I'm not into his stuff, it gets played ALOT on the radio. See where this is going???? Think about it. I could tie in how Aliens are using mental telepathy to control the music industry, but that's a whole other story for another time

Firt off I have to say this...major motoko...I could give you the worlds biggest hug for the answer you just gave Right on!!! Alex...nice avatar At your belt level your questions are very natural. I echo what major motoko said. Taisabaki!!!! Your instructor will be able to help you with that in the future. You'll be able to recognize your partners movements and not be there when you the intended kick happens. Then ...counter attack As for hand techniques, I just use parrying like a boxer would...or jodan/soto uke...depending on the situation. You're studying an art that takes some time to get comfortable with. Just relax, do what your instructor tells you to...and have fun *rei*

I wonder if this topic would have the same meaning if we asked "Are apples better than oranges?" I can only speak for the Japanese side of things, so my official opinion doesn't hold water here. *rei*

Which UFC's would they be? Just curious. I could be wrong, and please correct me if I am, but I don't recall a strictly Shotokan practitioner ever cleaning up in the UFC.

Remember that feeling my man and cherish it forever. Never become a bitter cynical butt wad such as myself when matters of the heart are concerned.

Hmm...I would have to say that "A" would be my favorite note. I like soloing in anything "A" related. I'm a percussionist and "A" seems to flow well for me on vibes or marimba. A...or anything in any of the A minors, modes, A blues...etc. I like A. I think my body might actually resonate at close to an A. I don't know. On guitar...well...I'm gonna say a good G chord. It's only one of about 3.5724 chords I know on a guitar

I drink with the intention of getting a good buzz about once every 4 months. I'm not much of a drinker anymore. College broke me of that Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. When I do drink, it's usually at home on a weekend when I have nothing to do but be lazy in front of the tv and enjoy The King of Beers.

Zdoshi makes an excellent point. How one trains can determine if karate is effective.

Cool. Small world Sensei Patterson passed away recently. Ironically, it was the same evening of the Shodan exam he officiated over. He died peacefully and without pain during a heart surgery. My best memory of him (other than the seminar of his that i attented) was at a local open tournament. I introduced myself to him, we chatted briefly about my school and my sensei, then he struck up a concersation about the hot dogs they were serving in the concession stand!!! He liked those hot dogs! I know, silly story. But, it struck me as funny, a man that I really respect...even fear to an extent...and we end up talking about hot dogs. heheh...ok...i'll stop babbling. *wa no michi*

Through lineage, yes I only trained under him directly once before his passing. It was great. A very nice, down to earth man. He was a great teacher. Did you study with Sensei Patterson?

I'm more of a hands person, but, I've been working alot on kicking lately. Being proficient with both can only make you better

In the higher ranks, yes, we tend to spar at a controlled semi -full contact in class. Lower belts use light contact. For those who want to go full contact at my school, the opportunity is definitely there

One thing that I've gained is that I seek truth in the mind and honesty in the heart, both from myself and from those I associate with. I feel that too many people walk around in a clouded haze in their lives. Sometimes honesty and truth in every aspect of your life can be painful, but in the long run it is for the best. *insert wooden flute music here* "Be of pure mind and of pure heart...."

I would say...Yes. Karate is effective in a self defence situation. Alex...Wado Ryu is a very thorough art. It's not just a striking art as many would prematurely say. Dig deeper into your studies, ask your sensei questions.

I had the pleasure of meeting Royce while attending one of his seminars. Very nice man. Funny too. During the seminar, he showed that he definitely has stand up jujitsu skills as well as obvious ground dominance. My guess is that Mr. Gracie would make a very formidable opponent to anyone attempting to attack him in the street. Concerning multiple attackers, his odds would be just as good as anybody else's given he uses his stand up skills. *heehehe* It seems odd to me to mention the words "striking" and "Gracie" in the same sentence, but, rest assured, they do have striking ability.

Kamidake...you rock!

DokterVet, Who is your sensei? Just curious. *rei*

I saw the first Faces of Death. Most of the stuff on there was fake. Society as a whole is becoming de-sensitized to that kind of stuff. It's kind of scary when you think about it and what it could lead to in the future.

HHmm...well...after reading Moore's website, I've come to a few conclusions: 1) Moore is a very literate man who can convey his ideas 2) I'm actually happy for his success 3) He is so far to the "left" he's going in circles 4) I have an urge to vomit violently. His logic (or lack thereof) is amazing. Again, I'd like to lay $$$ on a fight between him and Charleton Heston.

I agree with the all of the above. There is an actual purpose and game plan behind our military action in Iraq. I'm not sure if Vietnam had a game plan or not. Maybe G95champ could fill us in on the specifics. America learned from the Vietnam War. We're not going to repeat it.

not that i would enjoy promoting his website, but what is the address?

Quite necessary

BAN MOVIES TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have the abilty to glorify gun use!!! ok..i'm off my soapbox. :)

Yep, our "freind" michael moore was the chap who got up at the Oscar's and blasted president Bush. Classy guy. Class act. What a piece of **** I'd like to put him and Rosie O'Donnell in a locked cage with Charlton Heston and see who would end up walking out of it. My bet is on Moses Funny thing about Rosie...there is a movie she did with...I think it was Emelio Estevez and Richard Dryfus...she toted a gun and used it several times in that movie.*shock* *horror*

I wasn't big on the NRA until I went to my first firearm safety course. In TN you have to pass an NRA Firearm safety course in order to apply for a Handgun Carry Permit. I was absolutely amazed at how many programs the NRA offers communities. They do more to educate the public on firearm use and safety than any other organization in America. They're definitely worth checking into.